Local Mountain

The home page on their website says “Powder to the People!” and that’s exactly what this mountain likes to serve up: fresh, deep, powder! They boast an average 350+ feet of the white stuff each year, so bring your fat skis.

Monarch Mountain is located on highway 50 in south-central Colorado, along the Continental Divide. It’s a locals favorite mountain because it offers something for every type of skier or rider, and you’ll rarely wait in a lift line.

An added bonus (besides the knee deep snow), is cheap lift tickets. A day pass will cost you $60, half the price of a day pass at one of Colorado’s more well known resorts.

They have 8 lifts to deliver you to their 800 acres of skiable terrain. Thirty-one percent of the runs are expert runs, while the rest is divided among beginner and intermediate trails.

They’ve also got snow-cat service to deliver to even more freshies and an additional 100 acres of terrain ($275 for full day).

Since it’s a small resort, there’s no aprés ski parties at their base, but it’s common to see skiers and boarders grilling out in the parking lot after a long day of shredding.

If you prefer the bar scene, visit nearby Salida, Buena Vista or Poncha Springs. Just don’t forget to dust all the powder off your jacket.